Two wheeler related mortality in female riders: Turbans proposed as an independent risk factor

Rash driving, use of the phone while driving, bad condition of the roads and violation of traffic laws are the main reasons for two-wheeler fatalities. This unprecedented study was done to understand the epidemiology and reasons for these fatalities in female riders. The study has its strength in the absence of survival bias and confabulating factor like driving under the influence of the alcohol. These are difficult to obviate factors unless it is an autopsy based study like the present one. The study represented an Indian province with considerate Sikh population who wear turbans as a religious practice.

A retrospective analysis of the inquest and the autopsy reports of the deaths due to road traffic accidents was done from the year 2013 to 2017.

Road traffic accidents constituted 1957 (31.9%) cases out of the total 6136 autopsies. The death toll in the females was 209 cases (10.7% of total road traffic accidents). A two-wheeler was associated in 87 cases out of the total fatalities. 51–60 years was the commonest age group. This was an unexpected finding and constituted by 18 females. The females were pillion riders in 61 cases. A head injury was present alone or in combination with other injuries in all the fatalities. Cranio-cerebral damage was the commonest cause of death and seen in 54 cases. An unexpected deviation regarding the use of the helmet in females was a striking contrast to the earlier studies.

Helmets manufactured under standard conditions should be a mandate for two-wheeler riders irrespective of sex and religion. This is due to the absence of any gender-related anatomical or developmental difference in the human skull.